Electrifying school buses nationwide would provide at least $1.6 billion in annual health benefits, especially to those living in U.S. cities, according to research released Wednesday.
The World Resources Institute and Carleton University examined the impact of electric school buses using county-level data and found that switching away from diesel buses would have positive benefits in 99.7 percent of counties across the country.
The analysis builds on previous studies that have shown electric buses cut the risk of childhood asthma and other health issues. It also shows the need for continued public investment in electric buses, said Sue Gander, director of WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative.
“We think this was a real clear message that these health benefits are real and they’re widespread,” Gander said in an interview.
